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Using Functional Outcome Measures in Medical Exercise Training

Functional outcome measures (FOMs) are standardized assessments used to evaluate an individual's functional capacity and progress over time. They are valuable tools for medical exercise professionals (MedXPROs) to track client progress, demonstrate the effectiveness of exercise programs, and communicate with other healthcare providers.

What are Functional Outcome Measures?

FOMs encompass various aspects of human function, including:

• Physiological measures: blood pressure, heart rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood glucose, cholesterol levels, oxygen saturation.
• Musculoskeletal assessments: range of motion, muscle strength testing, bone density.
• Functional assessments: functional assessment scales specific to various conditions (e.g., Oswestry Scale for low back pain, Lysholm Knee Scale), pain scales, anthropometric measures, VO2 max.

How are FOMs Used in MET?

FOMs are an integral part of the Medical Exercise Training (MET) Client Management System. This system emphasizes a structured approach to exercise prescription for clients with medical conditions. Here's how FOMs are integrated:

1. Assessment: During the initial assessment, MedXPROs identify the client's functional deficits and select appropriate FOMs to establish a baseline. This includes evaluating ROM, muscle strength, pain levels, and potentially administering condition-specific functional scales.
2. Goal Setting: FOM results inform the development of short-term (30-day) and long-term (60-90 day) goals that are quantifiable and measurable, such as running a certain distance with a specific pain level.
3. Exercise Program Design: The exercise plan targets the identified functional deficits and aims to achieve the established goals. It considers the client's critical functional demands (CFDs), which are the tasks and activities necessary for daily life.
4. Progress Monitoring & Reassessment: FOMs are re-evaluated periodically (every 30-90 days) to track progress, adjust the program, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the MET intervention.
5. Communication & Documentation: FOM data are documented in session logs, progress reports, and discharge summaries. This information is communicated to the client, referring physician, therapists, and potentially insurance carriers.

Why are FOMs Important for MedXPROs?

• Demonstrate Effectiveness: Using FOMs allows MedXPROs to showcase the positive impact of MET on client function. This is crucial for gaining credibility within the medical community and with insurance providers.
• Support Communication: FOMs provide a common language for sharing information and progress with other healthcare professionals.
• Enhance Professionalism: The utilization of FOMs reinforces the professionalism and expertise of MedXPROs, contributing to the growth and recognition of the field.
• Potential for Reimbursement: As insurance carriers increasingly recognize the value of MET, FOMs will play a key role in justifying reimbursement for services.

In conclusion, functional outcome measures are essential tools for medical exercise professionals to provide effective, evidence-based care and contribute to the advancement of the field. By consistently incorporating FOMs into their practice, MedXPROs can optimize client outcomes, strengthen relationships with medical providers, and secure the future of MET as an integral component of healthcare.

Use Functional Outcome Measures in your practice with the Advanced Medical Exercise Specialist  (AMES) Manual. This is the ultimate operations manual for medical exercise professionals. Go to www.AMESManual.com to get your copy.